RVers show their Nascar enthusiam in lights

Rick and Rita Frey from Cincinnati, Ohio are new to RVing and have jumped headlong into the spirit of RVing. They love Nascar and it shows in every aspect of how they've decorated their coach. The table has a checkered flag because this is where winning meals are served. The bed has a Nascar theme comforter and even the outside patio mat is a checkered flag. Rita made exterior light covers in keeping with this theme. Using a string of outside Christmas lights (clear) she attached these half circle mini-shades. She sewed hook & latch on the ends of the half circle. Next she fastens them over the plastic base of the lamp. I recommend using LED lamps because they put out almost no heat and are safer with this type of application. Creating a festive and inviting Nascar atmosphere the Frey's attract fellow RV friends into their winners circle. Giving you the green flag for RVing - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

My Porch Light Needs Help!

The porch light that came with my 5th wheel is almost as bright as a birthday candle. I would like more light available near the entry, but haven’t decided what to do. I don’t want to attract bugs, but I also want some light. I’m still mulling it over in the laboratory of my brain. Speaking of my brain, my doctor told me I really shouldn't go in there alone! In the meantime, my friend Larry Ellert came up with the idea for this porch/entry light. He used a Regent 13 watt fluorescent light with photo cell. You can pick this unit up a Lowe’s for under $25. Larry used pvc pipe (available at any hardware store) as a stand. He used a 5 way pvc connector for the base with four pvc legs (capped) extend at right angles holding the center pole vertical. If you can’t find a 5 way connector at you local hardware store you can order one here http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/accessory/pvc.shtml

An electric cord was run through the inside of the verticle pole and up to the light and electric outlet. He uses this electrical outlet for party lights or the vacuum cleaner, radio or whatever other electric appliance he needs it for. Since the light is on a photo cell, it’s not on during the day, but there is still power at the electric receptacle. This is a good way to use that extra 110 hook-up in your campsite electric box. This unit provides so much light that Larry masked part of the light off with tape to reduce the amount of available light. Also, since it is top heavy, he tucks it under the wheel of his coach to prevent the wind from blowing it over. I’m thinking of an amber light to help cut down on the bugs. Once I decide what to do, you can be sure I’ll write an article on it. In the meantime, this will give all you tinkerers out there something to think about. If you have a brighter idea leave a comment, I’ll keep the light on for you. Jim